University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Media Day Quotes
8/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss football team held its annual media day in the M-Club Room of the Duff Athletic Center here Saturday afternoon.
The following are a couple of quotes from third-year coach Todd Monken as well as selected players from the day's festivities:
Southern Miss coach Todd Monken
On biggest changes from last year's camp to this year's camp...
"Depth in the (offensive and defensive) lines is probably the biggest difference. More depth in the offensive line, everyone is back but Fred (Moore). Defensive-line wise, we have 16 scholarship guys so we have enough guys to rotate. Last year we had some really good players up front, but we just weren't able to rotate. Our younger guys have really developed and we have added some guys to that and that's where the game starts."
On how big is it having Mississippi State here to open the season from a team building standpoint...
"Is it everything? No. Is it big? Yeah. It's big in the fact that it's a barometer. It's a barometer to where you're at and what your fans can expect to see. I don't think we have had a very good barometer the past two years in what I'd want representing a Todd Monken team. We opened up at home two years ago and turned the ball over. Last year, we didn't play as well as we could have at Mississippi State. Obviously you want to start off the year showing alright - this is where we're at and what the fans can expect and what our team can expect.
"But now it's not the end all. You can lose the first game or win the first game and it doesn't guarantee where you will go from there. To me, building toward that game and being at home and for us being able to showcase with them coming here for the first time since 1989, it's going to be big for our campus, big for our team and big for our state."
Junior, QB, Nick Mullens
On the quarterback battle in fall camp...
"The battle between Tyler (Matthews) and myself has been great. We both have been pushing each other and try to make our teammates better each rep. It is an important part of being a quarterback and a leader on and off the field. I am trying to find ways to better myself so I can help my game and the team."
Sophomore, Safety, Picasso Nelson Jr.
On his transition from cornerback to safety...
"It has been pretty good. I have always wanted to play safety, but have never gotten the opportunity. My dad played safety in college. At safety, I get to make a lot of tackles as well as the chance to cover and make an interception."
Senior, LB, Brian Anderson
On the biggest difference between year one and year two at Southern Miss...
"I was slow on my reads and having problems understanding my formations (during my first year). I am thankful for Coach Duggan who has critiqued me and helped me become a better linebacker. I have watched film with him and he has shown me what I can do to improve at the linebacker position."
Senior, WR, Casey Martin
On the biggest improvement in his game...
"The biggest improvement in my personal game has been the amount of time I spent studying film. It is not just my film, but I have also watched Julian Edelman's film and film on Wes Welker. I am trying to see what they do. That way I can mix my routes up and be more like the professionals. It will also help me be on the same page as my quarterbacks."
